Structured Red Burgundies from Domaine Henri Richard

In January, I spent two days tasting through organic wines at Millésime Bio, a trade show held in Montpellier, France. SudVinBio, an association of organic Languedoc-Roussillon winemakers, who sponsored the fair and my trip, gathered some 700 organic winemakers from 12 countries for this event. I mingled through the booths, stopping to taste and talk with winemakers. I spent most of my time focused on Burgundy, the Loire Valley and Southern Rhone winemakers, and I found more than a few new (to me) producers to get excited about.

One such producer is Domaine Henri Richard. This biodynamic producer is located in Gevrey-Chambertin and makes a variety of elegant and structured red Burgundies. Big shock: the Grand Crus were the best, but the Gevrey-Chambertins are something to behold as well. My notes on the wines I tasted…

2011 Domaine Henri Richard Coteaux Bourguignons Corvée de L'Église - Burgundy, Coteaux Bourguignons
Aromas of sour cherries, white pepper and pickles. Tart, tangy and fresh, with currant and beef broth aspects. Fun, uncomplicated stuff. (85 points)

2011 Domaine Henri Richard Marsannay En Larrey - Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Marsannay
Aromas of roses, perfume and cherry blossom. Solid grip on the palate with tangy acid. Fresh currants play with flowers and pickling spice. Elegant. (87 points)

2010 Domaine Henri Richard Gevrey-Chambertin Les Corvées - Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Gevrey-Chambertin
Aromas of sour cherries, dried herbs, white pepper. Serious grip on the palate, so much tang from the acid. Black cherries and red currants mix with a ton of flowers, some herbs and savory spices. Young, beautiful, much to unpack in the cellar. (90 points)

2011 Domaine Henri Richard Gevrey-Chambertin Les Corvées - Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Gevrey-Chambertin
Currants, herbs and roses on the nose. Rich and open, much more accessible than the 2010. Red plums, pickling spices, subtle earth and herbal undertones. Very pretty and elegant, seems ready for business but has some structure for aging. Long finish. (89 points)

2010 Domaine Henri Richard Mazoyères-Chambertin - Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Mazoyères-Chambertin Grand Cru
Complex aromas of rhubarb, strawberries, dried flowers. Elegant texture with fine tannins and tart acid. Flavors of red currant, earth, flowers, smashed bricks. So long, refreshing and elegant. Beautiful stuff that will age well, but showing some finesse for its young age. (91 points)

2012 Domaine Henri Richard Charmes-Chambertin - Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru
Deep and complex aromas: raspberries, red apple peel, spice, pepper, potpourri and smashed rocks. Grippy as hell on the palate, but fresh acid tries to keep it in check. The strawberry and currant fruit is tart but rich at the same time. Love the violets, loam and charcoal flavors. Great mineral streak throughout. Excellent length with notes of sage on the finish. A beauty, one for the ages. (92 points)